Gold post boxes recognising the achievements of Olympian Joanna Rowsell and Paralympian David Weir are to glitter permanently as monuments to their success.

Sutton's five gold post boxes - four in Wallington in recognition of Weir's medals at London 2012 and one in Cheam for Rowsell - were only due to have their sheen on a temporary basis but the Royal Mail says they have become cherished local landmarks and will stay as they are.

Moya Greene, chief executive officer of Royal Mail Group, said: "We are delighted at the way people took to this simple idea. The gold post boxes gave communities even more opportunity to mark the successes of Team GB and Paralympics GB - and became a part of local celebrations of London 2012 across the UK. I am pleased to confirm that these post boxes will be kept gold permanently."

Royal Mail also said each post box will be fitted with plaques naming the athlete and their achievement.

Weir's post boxes are in Woodcote Road, Mollison Drive, Foresters Drive and Mollison Drive at the junction with Spitfire Road and recognise his medals in the 5,000m, 1,500m, 800m and the marathon in the T54 category respectively. Rowsell's postbox is in Ewell Road for her win in the woman's team pursuit.